Weekly Roundup
May 4 – 8 2015


A Note From Our President & Founder Jim Garrettson

Cloud computing has become the latest federal market area to see one company make an acquisition move in an effort toward an increased footprint and added customer base.
QTS Realty Trust, an owner of 12 data centers across eight states, announced this week it struck a $326 million deal to acquire cloud and managed hosting contractor Carpathia and will add about 230 new federal and commercial clients to what would become a 1,000-customer base.
Carpathia holds a provisional ATO status under FedRAMP, the governmentwide program for approval of cloud computing services, and is a partner with other notable providers such as VMware in the federal cloud arena.
Peter Weber, Carpathia’s CEO and QTS’ incoming chief product officer, said both companies share the goal of “continuing the development of innovative hybrid cloud solutions for enterprise and public sector customers.”
Also this week, the Defense Information Systems Agency released a new list of cloud computing services eligible to host noncontrolled unclassified information for the military.
Twenty-three cloud services received the Impact Level 2 provisional authorization, which covers all data to be publicly-released and some private unclassified information.
“The granting of these provisional authorizations is an important step in our strategy to drive cost down by moving more of our mission data to the cloud,” said Terry Halvorsen, DoD’s chief information officer.
Each approved cloud service complies with FedRAMP’s moderate baseline, DISA says.
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The current state of cloud computing in the federal government and what could be in store going forward will be the item of discussion at the Potomac Officers Club’s “FedRAMP Forum” May 14 in Falls Church, Va.
Matt Goodrich, who leads the FedRAMP program for the General Services Administration, will address the breakfast event for GovCon and government executives, as will Claudio Belloli, FedRAMP’s cyber program manager.
Katie Lewin, one of FedRAMP’s architects in her former role as cloud computing director at the General Services Administration, and Chad Andersen, FedRAMP program manager at the nonprofit technology organization Noblis, will also offer their perspectives to the audience on what is to come for agencies and industry in cloud computing.
We are also excited for our June 16 “Internet of Things” summit, which also will feature a lineup of speakers from government and industry that will discuss the convergence of the Internet with appliances, automobiles and building systems.
Vint Cerf, widely recognized as a “father of the Internet” and Google’s chief Internet evangelist, will address the executive audience at the half-day event in McLean, Va.

Other speakers include Dan Doney, chief innovation officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Kevin Kampschroer, GSA’s director of federal high-performance green buildings.
Click here to register for the FedRAMP Forum and the Internet of Things summit, as well as to learn more about the POC and other upcoming events.

THIS WEEK’S TOP NEWS STORIES
PAE Signs Deal to Buy A-T Solutions in Nat’l Security Growth Push; John Heller Comments
This would be PAE’s fourth acquisition since its 2011 sale from Lockheed Martin to private equity firm.
Scitor to Join SAIC’s New Intell Customer Group Upon Deal’s Closure; Tony Moraco Comments
SAIC completes its $790 million cash acquisition of the IC community systems integrator and technology services provider.
Triple-i Buys Cyber, Health-Focused IT Firm CCSi; Leo Phelan Comments
Creative Computing Solutions Inc. holds positions on the EAGLE II, CIO-SP3, T4 and TEAMS contract vehicles.
Marlin Closes Fidelis Cyber Business Buy; Peter George Comments
General Dynamics sold what now operates as Fidelis Cybersecurity Solutions to the Los Angeles-based investment firm for an undisclosed amount.
FAA Awards SAIC Potential $727M Air Traffic Control Training Services Contract
The agency aims to hire 6,000 new air traffic controllers over the duration of the potential five-year contract.
Ed Sayadian: Exelis to Back 4 FAA UAS Research, Test Sites
The company will work with the agency-designated facilities to study the integration of unmanned aircraft into the country’s civilian airspace.
AT&T’s Chris Smith: Cyber Info Sharing, IT Reform Bills See Progress
Smith, VP of technology for the telecommunications company’s federal business, offers his outlook on both pieces of legislation in Congress.
Joe Demarest to Serve as FBI Cyber Crime Branch Associate Executive Assistant Director
The 27-year FBI veteran and Wash100 inductee elevates to a newly-created position at the bureau.
OMB Director Shaun Donovan Sends 2017 Budget Guidance to Federal Agencies
Donovan tells agencies to prepare for a 5-percent discretionary spending cut in fiscal year 2017.
Mary Davie: GSA Adds New Schedule 70 Cloud Special Item Number
Davie, an assistant commissioner for GSA’s FAS arm, says the move is part of agency efforts to transform the Multiple Award Schedules program.
GAO: Pentagon Competed 58% of FY 2014 Contracts, Task Orders
The congressional auditing agency tabulated the total amount of defense contracts and task orders awarded via competitions.
Willie May Confirmed as NIST Director; Penny Pritzker Comments
The 41-year NIST veteran has led the agency on an acting basis since June 2014 and will focus on its efforts to support the manufacturing sector.
Karen DeSalvo to Receive HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Nomination
DeSalvo has held role on acting basis since October and is currently HHS’ national health IT coordinator.
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